Energy and Industry Transitions
It is likely that the coming three decades will see one of the most substantial technological transformations in human history in the implementation of the ambitions to reduce global greenhouse emissions to net zero by around 2050. Shifting from a world economy based on fossil fuels to one based on clean energy will change value chain configurations, power relations and economic geographies in ways that we have only begun to understand.
The overarching ambition of the Energy and Industry Transitions Team is to analyze how these transitions will play out and provide policymakers, business leaders and civil society with research-based advice on key aspects around how to enable a sustainable and just transition to a net-zero global society. Collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders from across society, including other research institutions, is a central part of the way we work.
Building upon techno-economic models, policy analysis and socio-technical perspectives, we explore issues around emerging technologies, policies and partnership models required to enable tipping points, especially in so-called “hard-to-decarbonize” sectors. In addition, a key strand of our work is to understand how to avoid undesired consequences from rapid decarbonization and work towards a net-zero transition that is not only quick, but also just.
Olkaria Geothermal Plant, Kenya. Photo: Mbeo Ogeya / SEI.
In an article in Energy Monitor, SEI Research Fellow Björn Nykvist explains a major reason why the military has not always seen net zero as a priority.
This paper synthesizes empirical work from stakeholder dialogues conducted in Colombia, Rwanda, Sweden, and Thailand.
